So you have an idea for a startup, do you? But what is the next step?  This is it.

In just three hours, the Startup Ideation Bootcamp will help you improve your idea, come up with new ideas, and even recruit potential cofounders. Join us for a fun evening.

What is the Startup Ideation Bootcamp?

The Startup Ideation Bootcamp provides expert advice with real-world practice. The evening begins with talks by leading startup Founders designed to teach you the components of good and bad startup ideas. For example, is your market big enough, is there organic growth potential, and a clear path to profitability? Then, attendees can share their ideas with both experts and peers to receive constructive feedback. The evening format is based on the best practices of the Founder Institute, the largest idea-stage incubator in the world. Our venue sponsor is Bank of America. 

Who Should Attend?

• Anyone who has an idea for an early-stage company.
• Anyone that is interested starting or joining a new startup.
• Anyone interested in learning about the Founder Institute.

What is the Agenda?

Founder Talks

05:30 to 06:00 PM - Registration

06:00 to 06:30 PM - Welcome to Ideation Bootcamp!

06:30 to 07:00 PM - Joe Dwyer on Startup Ideation

07:00 to 07:30 PM - Irv Shapiro on Pitching

07:30 to 07:45 PM - Break

Idea Feedback
07:45 to 08:30 PM - Attendee Sharing Ideas to the Audience w/ Feedback

08:30 to 09:00 PM - Speed Idea Sharing to Peers

09:00 to 11:00 PM - Drinks at Living Room Bar, W Hotel, 172 W. Adams

Who will be Speaking?
The Local Director of the Founder Institute, as well as some of the program's highest rated Mentors, will speak and provide feedback on company pitches. Confirmed speakers include:

Joe Dwyer, Venture Partner, OCA Ventures

Joe Dwyer is an investor, advisor, and serial entrepreneur. He loves to transform businesses through innovation. He is a frequent guest lecturer on topics such as digital innovation, product development, and user experience design at Chicago Booth School of Business and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. He is a mentor for Excelerate Labs, a Charter Member of TIE, and an advisor for Techweek. He has a degree in International Relations and a law degree and an MBA from Northwestern.

Irv Shapiro, CEO & CTO, Ifbyphone

As a senior executive with over 35 years of computer technology industry experience and deep technology and management expertise, Irv Shapiro is passionate about the delivery of technology solutions that improve peoples lives. Currently, as the CEO/CTO at Ifbyphone, he is working with a very talented team to build the leading company in the delivery of Voice Based Marketing Automation solutions. Prior to Ifbyphone, after spending 10 years learning the computer industry by working for others, he has spent the last 25 years creating and selling computer technology companies. To date, he has built two companies, which he sold to publicly traded entities. Metamor Technologies grew to over 500 employees, was a two time INC 500 award winner and was sold for a substantial multiple to Corestaff Inc. Edventions grew to 50 employee and was sold to Edison Schools.

What is the Founder Institute?

The Founder Institute is a global network of startups and mentors that helps entrepreneurs launch meaningful and enduring technology companies. Through our four month idea-stage incubator program, you can launch your dream company with expert training, feedback, and support from experienced startup CEOs, while not being required to quit your day job. Our unique Bonus Pool also shares equity upside with all participants, creating local, teamwork-based ecosystems where great startups can flourish. In less than two years of operation, the Founder Institute has already helped launch over 415 technology companies in over 22 cities worldwide.

How do I join the Institute?

Learn more about the Founder Institute here.

The Founder Institute is now accepting applications for the Chicago Spring 2012 semester. Click on the link below to apply.

If you could benefit from expert training, advice and feedback to launch a meaningful and enduring technology company, apply today. If you apply using the link below and show up to the event, you will be invited to take the Predictive Admissions Test for free; 

http://FI.co/join/ideation

Thank you, and enjoy!